Laura Ross Wolcott

American physician and suffragist

Laura Ross Wolcott (March 16, 1826 – April 4, 1915) was a pioneering American physician and a prominent advocate for women's rights. She was the first woman to earn a medical degree in Wisconsin and became a leading figure in the women's suffrage movement.

Early life and education

Laura Ross was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on March 16, 1826. She was raised in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits. Her early education was conducted at home, where she developed a keen interest in the sciences. Encouraged by her family, she pursued higher education at the Troy Female Seminary, one of the few institutions at the time that provided advanced education for women.

Medical career

Laura Ross Wolcott

In 1856, Laura Ross became the first woman to graduate from the Medical College of Wisconsin, earning her medical degree. Her achievement was groundbreaking, as the field of medicine was predominantly male-dominated during the 19th century. After completing her education, she established a medical practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she specialized in women's health and pediatrics.

Wolcott's practice quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and she became a trusted physician in the community. Her success as a female doctor challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of women in medicine.

Advocacy and suffrage movement

Laura Ross Wolcott was not only a trailblazer in medicine but also a fervent advocate for women's rights. She was actively involved in the women's suffrage movement, working alongside other prominent suffragists to secure voting rights for women. Wolcott believed that women should have equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including the right to vote and participate in government.

She was a founding member of the Wisconsin Woman's Suffrage Association and frequently spoke at rallies and events to promote the cause. Her efforts contributed significantly to the eventual passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.

Personal life

Laura Ross married Dr. Erastus B. Wolcott, a fellow physician, in 1857. The couple shared a commitment to medicine and social reform. They had two children, and their home in Milwaukee became a hub for intellectual and social gatherings.

Legacy

Laura Ross Wolcott's legacy is marked by her contributions to both medicine and women's rights. As a pioneering female physician, she broke barriers and inspired countless women to pursue careers in medicine. Her advocacy for women's suffrage helped to advance the cause of gender equality in the United States.

Today, Wolcott is remembered as a trailblazer who dedicated her life to improving the lives of women and advancing the field of medicine. Her work continues to inspire future generations of women in both medicine and activism.

Related pages

• Women's suffrage in the United States
• History of women in medicine
• Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution